Brunswick Police Community Policing Coordinator Nick Solar said his work with the police department, helping identify residents in need, helps with his role as the Northern Medina County Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign co-chair. The Red Kettle campaign kicks off locally today at the city's Buehler's, Giant Eagle, and Kmart stores.

Brian Lisik,Sun News

BRUNSWICK The familiar sight and sound of the Northern Medina County Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign will soon be heard outside the Buehler’s, Giant Eagle and Kmart stores.

“We will be starting on Thanksgiving Day and going through Dec. 24,” said Red Kettle campaign co-chair and Brunswick Police Community Policing Coordinator Nick Solar. “Our goal this year is $40,000 and we can always use more volunteers.”

The goal represents a 7-8 percent increase from last year, Solar said, but community need has not decreased.

“We have our back-to-school program for children who are eligible, and we deal a lot with energy assistance — this has been one of our highest years ever with regard to the need for utility reconnects,” he said.

And one of the most basic necessities, food, remains high on the need list. Since the Salvation Army does not dispense cash, volunteers instead work directly with the Brunswick Food Pantry, helping replenish its stock to be distributed to those in need throughout the community.

Highlights of how the Northern Medina County Salvation Army has directly impacted in-need members of the community in the past year include 87 utilities, impacting 331 people; 276 children assisted with back-to-school clothing; 66 families “adopted” at Christmas, impacting 161 people; and 522 people referred to other agencies.

For more information on the work of the Northern Medina County Salvation Army, or how to volunteer, contact Red Kettle Coordinator Judith VonDuyke at 330-760-1623.

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